Lachie Weller says an innocent text message from his manager Tim Batty has sparked a post-bye form surge.

Weller has been the source of much commentary in 2018 after Gold Coast traded pick two to get the former Fremantle utility in last year's NAB AFL Trade Period.

After a slow start to his SUNS career, the 22-year-old has been sensational in the past six weeks, polling AFL Coaches' Association votes in four games and capping the run with a 23-touch, two-goal outing in last Saturday's upset win over Sydney.

Much of the negativity around the young Tasmanian was directed at the SUNS potentially over-paying to get their man, but when quizzed on whether the comments had gotten to him earlier in the year, Weller was nonchalant.

He said a message from Batty ahead of the round 15 match against Collingwood got his attention, though.

"My manager sent me a message saying 'you all good?'

"I was like 'what?'

"He said 'there's a heap of articles about you this week'.

"I said 'really? Thanks mate, I was going all right – until now'.

"That sparked me a bit.

"I literally don't even turn the TV on, I don't know why I've got one. I didn't go looking (for the stories), but he told me what was happening."

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew has praised Weller for his professionalism, saying he's one of the leaders in setting high standards.

Weller said he always put pressure on himself, but credited his improved play to smarter training in recent weeks.
"I've backed off a little bit at training and getting my body right and I've felt like I've had a lot more energy going into games," he said.

"I think my mindset has been more to take the game on.

"The gameplan is new for everyone. It's more (having new) teammates and having that confidence to take control.

"I sat back a little bit and didn't really have the confidence to get out of myself and take ownership on the field.

"I feel like I've got nothing to lose the rest of the year and will take it on, and that's my mindset now."